News from Institute of the Motor Industry

    • New, independent research released showing the business benefit of accreditation and skills training

      Institute of the Motor Industry | Hertford |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) teamed up with leading players in the automotive industry (Allparts Automotive Ltd, Halfords Autocentres and Mercedes-Benz UK) to commission an independent piece of research assessing the impact of their skills accreditation programme, known as Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA). The research covered accreditation programmes for a number of disciplines, from parts advisors to light vehicle technicians and customer service advisors.

    • Royal Stamp of Approval for IMI Awards Outstanding Achievers

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      IMI Awards celebrated the achievements of individuals and training providers at the automotive awarding body's annual outstanding achievers event which was held at Fanshaws in Hertfordshire on Thursday 23 June 2011. The prestigious event, held in the presence of HRH Prince Michael of Kent and sponsored by Euro Car Parts, celebrates the achievements of automotive students and staff from IMI Awards approved centres.

    • IMI congratulates Cambridgeshire businessman on award win

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has congratulated Cambridgeshire businessman, Andy Kent FIMI on his recent Community Award win at the Barclays Trading Places ceremony held at The Savoy in London earlier this week. Andy is an ATA Master Technician and also holds Automotive Management Accreditation (AMA) at Level 7.

    • The SkillAuto search for excellence begins

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Outstanding automotive technicians who wish to showcase their skills can now put themselves to the test by entering the 2010 SkillAuto competition which opens today (21 October).

    • IMI welcomes call from Which? for an industry wide qualification for all automotive technicians

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      In response to today's (23 August) Which? report into garage servicing, The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has had the status raised of its Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme. ATA is the only industry backed, independent accreditation scheme that specifically tests the current competency of technicians in the automotive retail sector.

    • Painting their way to success - women step up to skills challenge

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      There is a significant gender bias within most occupations in the automotive retail sector with men outnumbering women in almost all occupations. Women make up the majority of workers only in administrative and secretarial roles where they account for 70% of workers.  In an initiative designed to address this, six women took part in a ground breaking challenge designed to encourage females to consider more technical roles within the industry.

    • Helston Community College Becomes 500th IMI Awards Centre

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      IMI Awards, the UK's only specialist awarding body dedicated to automotive qualifications, has recently approved Helston Community College as the 500th to join the expanding network of IMI Awards approved centres across the UK and worldwide.

    • IMI reveals final six in the Skillauto search for best light vehicle technician

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Following a record number of entries and a series of regional heats across the country, the judges have now selected the final six technicians who will compete in the UK final of the Skillauto Automobile Technology (light vehicle) competition, sponsored by IMI Awards and Castrol.

    • Transforming the delivery of Functional Skills and awarding organisation services

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Four highly respected sector specialist Awarding Organisations have come together to transform the way Functional Skills will be offered to centres. EAL (EMTA Awards Ltd), IMI Awards, ITEC and Skillsfirst Awards will jointly develop and offer, from September 2010, Functional Skills qualifications at Levels 1 and 2 in English, Maths and ICT.

    • IMI unveils new accreditation scheme for automotive managers

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Following collaboration between employers and other key industry partners in the sector, the IMI has today launched a new, innovative management and leadership solution for the automotive industry.

    • IMI announces changes within its Skills Development team

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry today (12 April 2010) announced that Stirling Wood is to become the company's new Head of Skills Development. The current post holder, Steve Scofield moves internally to become head of the newly created Accreditation Academy.

    • 20,000 accredited technicians means safer UK roads

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Badly repaired cars are a leading cause of traffic accidents and pose a serious risk to the safety of individuals and families on the road. However, a recent poll shows over 80 percent of the population do not know how to tell a good vehicle technician from a bad one.

    • Top industry achievers honoured by the IMI

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) celebrated the achievements of automotive companies and individuals in the Skillmiles scheme at its Annual Dinner last week in the presence of the Institute's Patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

    • IMI encourages automotive businesses to support National Apprenticeship Week

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The third annual National Apprenticeship Week will take place from Monday 1 February to Friday 5 February 2010. The week, which is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), will celebrate the talents and skills of apprentices and recognise the essential role that Apprenticeships are playing in today's business

    • IMI announces changes to its governance structure

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced a number of planned changes to its governance structure including the move of its current Chief Executive, Sarah Sillars to the position of Executive Chair. These changes are effective from 1 November 2009.

    • Yellow Pages help businesses to show ‘you’re OK with ATA’

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme, in partnership with the Yell Group, is pleased to announce the introduction of a new Yellow Pages Corporate Advertising Scheme (CAS) for businesses that employ ATA registered technicians.

    • WorldSkills Calgary 2009 - Competition Report

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The WorldSkills competition has begun in Calgary, Canada with 900 competitors from around the world competing across 45 different skill categories.

    • The heat is on…become July 2010 compliant with ATA Air conditioning

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme is reminding employers and technicians that there is now only one year to go before new European legislation regarding the handling of refrigerant gases comes into force in July 2010.

    • Honda helps to upskill automotive lecturers from the FE sector

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Fifteen lecturers from across the UK attended a three day workshop held at the Honda Institute in Slough which was designed to help increase their knowledge of new car technology for the benefit of their learners and the employers they work for.

    • Alfa Romeo helps ATA reach the 15,000th technician mark

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Alfa Romeo technician, Sean Davidson, from Palmers dealership in Hemel Hempstead, has become the 15,000th technician to achieve the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard.

    • IMI launches new Government funding advice service

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) the Professional Association and Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail sector has launched a new funding advice service which has been developed to assist employers and training providers to find out about the Government funding available across all four nations and to provide guidance on how it can be accessed.

    • Celebrating Success with IMI Awards Outstanding Achievers

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      IMI Awards celebrated the achievements of individuals and colleges at their annual outstanding achievers event which was held at Fanshaws in Hertfordshire on Wednesday 17th June 2009. This prestigious event, which is held in the presence of HRH Prince Michael of Kent and sponsored by Lloyds TSB Autolease, celebrates the achievements of students and staff from IMI Awards approved centres. Three IMI Awards approved centres, selected from its network of 470, were in the running for the Approved Centre of the Year Award and 14 students were invited as finalists to the event for the individual categories.

    • 14,000th technician achieves national standard of competence

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      With many cars now as technically sophisticated as some aircraft, Scottish automotive technician Andrew Millar has proved he’s got what it takes as a motor industry professional after receiving national recognition for his skills.

    • New research highlights the benefits of automotive apprenticeships

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      In contrast to the experiences encountered by many of the contestants on the television programme ‘The Apprentice’, research* released today (28 April 2009) from The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) shows that apprentices in the automotive sector actually find the whole experience positive and believe it has been beneficial for their future career.

    • IMI Awards Give ATA Stamp of Approval in Cyprus

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      IMI Awards are proud to announce they have given KEKMA Training Limassol Limited the stamp of approval to offer ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) assessments. KEKMA opened a purpose built satellite facility in Nicosia, Cyprus where they can now offer ATA Air Conditioning Refrigerant Handler, making KEKMA the first ATA approved centre in Europe outside the UK and Ireland.

    • Car retail groups prove they are great companies to work for

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) congratulates both the Sytner Group and Peter Vardy Limited on achieving places in the Sunday Times newspaper's annual 'Best Companies to Work For' list. The Sytner Group finished sixth in the 'Best 20 Big Companies' list with Peter Vardy Limited finishing in the top 100 companies list

    • IMI encourages businesses to support National Apprenticeship Week 2009

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The second annual Apprenticeship Week will take place from Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February and is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the essential role that Apprenticeships are playing in today's business world, ensuring that the workforce has the skills it needs in order to remain competitive, even in difficult economic circumstances.

    • IMI welcomes Government plans to boost training funding for the automotive sector

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail sector has today (28 January) welcomed the news from the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) that automotive employers will be able to access high quality skills support and increased funding via the Train to Gain scheme.

    • Supporting the industry and its people is a priority for the IMI

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      In its role as the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry and the sector's professional association, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has today (23 January 2009) outlined a series of measures specifically designed to help those working in the industry during the current economic climate.

    • Parts advisors get recognised through new ATA route

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The annual conference for the Automotive Distribution Federation (ADF) has provided the platform for the launch of an accreditation route for Parts Advisors within the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme.

    • IMI appoints its first Chief Operating Officer

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry today (20 November 2008) announced that Linda Stansfield is to become the company's first Chief Operating Officer.

    • We're working for the whole industry and its people says the IMI

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Having expanded its responsibilities within the retail motor industry over the past year as a professional body, Government-licensed Sector Skills Council and regulator of the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has begun a fresh communication campaign to help its members, employers and industry personnel better understand how the IMI is serving the automotive industry.

    • IMI Awards reaches 400th UK approved centre

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      IMI Awards, the leading awarding body for the retail motor industry, recently reached a milestone when Sheffield College became its 400th approved centre in the UK.

    • 11,000th technician achieves ATA

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Lee Pearce, who works at Toyota dealership, Currie Motors Barnet, is the 11,000th technician to achieve the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard, governed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

    • Body repair motors past 2,000 mark

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Bill Richmond has become the 2,000th technician in the body repair sector to gain the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard, governed by The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

    • IMI consults industry on occupational standards and 'Time to Train' proposals

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Employers in the automotive sector are being asked for their views on two areas of major significance which will influence future skills development, in consultations by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the professional association and Sector Skills Council.

    • Industry clocks up over 30,000 SkillMiles in first six months

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      A pioneering way of recognising contributions to skills development in the automotive sector has seen more than 100 businesses plus another 100 individuals sign up since the initiative was launched six months ago by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the automotive retail industry's Sector Skills Council and professional association.

    • ATA public campaign fires on all cylinders with Top Gear

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      One of the UK's most popular motoring websites is being used by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to promote the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme, following the launch of a major public awareness drive at the British International Motor Show.

    • First independent centre opens its doors for ATA autoglazing assessments

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Chelmsford-based Essex Glass and Windscreens has become the first approved independent assessment centre to offer Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) in autoglazing for the independent windscreen industry, following approval from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which regulates the scheme.

    • Race ace Cleland boosts Scottish motor industry's skills mission

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Former two-time British Touring Car champion, John Cleland, Dealer Principal at Clelands Jaguar in Galashiels, has joined forces with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IM) to drive forward its mission to improve skills in the retail motor industry in Scotland.

    • IMI Executive Board votes to increase its Operational Team

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      After unprecedented growth over the past year, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Executive Board has decided to increase its Senior Operational Team and will commence recruitment of a Chief Operating Officer immediately. It is anticipated that the post will be filled with a commencement date of January 2009.

    • ATA motors past 9000

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Paul West, who works at Inchcape Volkswagen Chelmsford, is the 9,000th technician to achieve the Automotive Technician Accreditation standard, governed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

    • Turning passion into a profession

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      - IMI to spearhead Careers Zone at the 2008 British International Motor Show - Promoting the UK motor industry as a progressive and exciting sector of employment is the aim of the Careers Zone at the British International Motor Show at Excel in London this summer.

    • IMI applauds Sytner Group on management and leadership

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has congratulated Sytner Group on achieving fourth place in the Sunday Times newspaper's annual 'Top 20 Best Big Companies to Work For.'

    • Select group takes guesswork out of finding expert help

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      With an estimated £1.5 billion spent on consultants and outsourced workers across the retail motor sector, a figure expected to increase over the next few years, time spent trying to find reliable outside expertise is often a factor which dissuades businesses from getting consultancy assistance.

    • Institute appoints first full time representative in Wales

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Making a difference to skills within the Welsh retail motor industry is the ambition of Colin Williams, who has been appointed to the new role of National Manager Wales for the automotive sector's professional association and Sector Skills Council, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

    • Get recognised for your contribution to industry skills

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      A pioneering way of recognising employer support for a campaign to raise skill levels has been launched by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the automotive retail industry's Sector Skills Council and professional association.

    • ATA scheme hits the 7,000 mark

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Twenty two year old Irfan Khan, who is employed at BMW dealership, Hexagon of Highgate, in north London, is the 7,000th technician to achieve the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard, which is governed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

    • IMI salutes British medallists at WorldSkills 2007

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has applauded the achievements of two technicians who have won bronze medals at the 2007 Worldskills competition in Japan.

    • Hartwell plc blazes a trail for Women & Work project

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      A Government initiative to improve the skills and career opportunities of thousands of women employed in traditionally 'male-dominated' professions has been embraced by one of the retail motor industry's major businesses.

    • Employers must decide on qualifications that are 'fit for purpose'

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      As part of the Government's plan to overhaul the UK's vocational qualifications structure so that it meets the future needs of businesses, the Automotive Skills division of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has embarked upon a Sector Qualifications Strategy (SQS), which constitutes one of the IMI's recently announced five 'big wins' to help the sector improve skill levels and performance.

    • IMI will focus on five 'big wins' as the new Sector Skills Council

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Achieving a major cultural change in how the retail motor industry thinks about skills will help it deliver significant business improvements, says the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), in its new role as the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the retail motor industry, having been granted the Government licence this week.

    • IMI's outstanding students are a credit to the industry

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      From almost 50,000 students registered on qualifications awarded by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), 27 were short-listed as finalists for the 2007 IMI Learning and Skills Awards, held at the IMI in the presence of its Patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

    • Commit your business to the 'Skills Pledge' says IMI

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      A Government initiative to support businesses in raising skills standards has been welcomed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which is calling on the retail motor industry to get behind the drive to improve competencies in the workforce for the benefit of both the sector and the economy.

    • Automotive consortium seeks to shift Further Education up a gear

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      The relentless pace of vehicle technology, a need to recruit and train technicians of the future* and ensuring the currency of lecturers' skills has prompted the UK motor industry to launch a unique initiative in support of the further education sector, which is responsible for training more than 50,000 young people registered on motor vehicle qualifications, including some 6,000 apprentices annually.

    • Lloyds TSB autolease supports IMI search for outstanding talent

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      A nationwide competition to recognise and celebrate the achievements of students and approved centres of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has gained the support of Lloyds TSB autolease, one of the UK's leading fleet management specialists.

    • National recognition for two-wheeled technicians

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Major advances in technology have prompted a collective effort from the motorcycle industry to ensure technicians remain at the cutting edge of technical expertise for the benefit of increasing numbers of motorcyclists.

    • UK's leading vehicle rescue organisations unite in quest to stay ahead of the future

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Massive advances in new car technology, in many cases, more complex than a fighter aircraft, has prompted the launch of a unified initiative from the biggest roadside assistance organisations to ensure their patrols remain at the cutting edge of technical expertise for the benefit of millions of motorists.

    • Bumper Christmas for recruiting new members

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      A record number of 1,100 individuals applied for membership of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) during November, the highest number of applicants received in a single month in the IMI's 86 year history.

    • Master Ainsley makes it 3,000

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Independent garage owner and vehicle technician, Ainsley McEwan, proprietor of McEwan's Garage in Derby, has become the 3,000th individual to achieve the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard.

    • IMI members show their pride

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      A campaign launched by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), to raise the status of skilled individuals has been boosted with the help of the Engineering Council UK (ECUK), of which the IMI is a licensed member.

    • Link with NUS gives IMI students high street clout

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      As part of its recently launched "Proud to be professional" campaign, the Institute of the Motor Industry has teamed up with the National Union of Students (NUS) to offer candidates registered on IMI qualifications a range of lifestyle discounts.

    • Champagne celebration for 2,000th ATA technician

      Institute of the Motor Industry |

      Ford master technician, Daryl King, who works for EMG Motor Group in Spalding, has become the 2,000th technician to achieve his credentials as part of the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme.

    • The future's bright - the future's green for apprentices

      Institute of the Motor Industry | Hertford |

      A brand new Advanced Apprenticeship programme for Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover technicians has attracted more than 2,500 applications for 150 places, just through the web-site alone.

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About

The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry. The Institute is the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry and the governing body for the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme.

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Joshua Ross
+44 (0)1992 511 521
www.motor.org.uk
Contact Joshua Ross